Glossary

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals with comparable levels of development.

Alternate format

Type of test format; examples include large print, braille and audiocassette or CD recording.

ASD

Autism spectrum disorder.

Audiocassette or CD recording with tactile figure supplement

An audio recording of the test accompanied by a raised-line figure supplement to enable a test taker who is blind or has low vision to feel the figures. The figure supplement is labeled in braille.

Audiocassette or CD recording with large-print figure supplement

An audio recording accompanied by a set of enlarged figures, primarily for test takers with low vision.

Braille slate and stylus

A device that enables a braille user to manually emboss braille dots onto paper. Only available for applicants who are blind or have low vision.

CBT

Computer-based test. May also be referred to as "computer-delivered test." Also refers to a specific ETS testing platform used for some ETS tests.

Certification of Eligibility: Accommodations History

A verification statement signed by an authorized professional who verifies the applicant's accommodations history and certifies that there is documentation on file that meets the ETS Documentation Criteria. Also referred to as a COE.

Computer-voiced with tactile figure supplement

A test taken on computer that provides synthetic speech and keyboard navigation for test takers who are blind or have low vision. A raised-line figure supplement with labeling in braille is provided for graphics. Available only for applicants who are blind or have low vision for the GRE® revised General Test in the United States only.

Computer-voiced with large-print figure supplement

A test taken on computer that provides synthetic speech and keyboard navigation for test takers who are legally blind or have low vision. A large-print figure supplement is provided. Available only for applicants who are legally blind or have low vision for the GRE revised General Test in the United States only.

Ergonomic keyboard

A computer keyboard designed to minimize muscle strain and related problems.

Extra breaks

Breaks other than regularly scheduled breaks that are not included in the testing time. Extra breaks can be taken as needed for snacks, beverages, medication, rest room trips, etc.

Extended testing time

Extra time to take the test. The amount of extended testing time is correlated to the test taker's disability or functional limitations. Fifty percent extended testing time is time and one-half; 100 percent extended time is double time (documentation is required for 100 percent extended time or more).

iBT

Tests delivered via the Internet; a specific ETS test platform used for some ETS tests.

A standard computer keyboard with a built-in touchpad. The touchpad allows the user the option of either using no external mouse or using a secondary pointing device.

Large-print answer sheet

An answer sheet for multiple-choice questions with large blocks that the test taker can mark with X's, rather than smaller boxes or ovals that need to be filled in.

LD

Learning disability.

Minor accommodations

Accommodations that do not affect the test delivery or response, such as a footstool, earplugs, a special chair/desk or a cushion.

Oral interpreter

A trained interpreter who silently mouths speech for a deaf or hard-of-hearing test taker who is able to speechread. An oral interpreter may also use facial expressions and gestures and may paraphrase the language used by the speaker. This accommodation is provided for spoken directions only and is available only for applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing.

PBT

Paper-based test. May also be referred to as "paper-delivered test." This includes any test that is ordinarily given on paper rather than on computer; paper-based testing may be offered as an accommodation for a computer-based test.

Perkins brailler

A braille typewriter with a key corresponding to each of the six dots of the braille code. It is permitted for note taking only. Available only for applicants who are blind or have low vision.

Printed copy of spoken directions

For paper-delivered tests only. (All directions are provided on screen for computer-delivered tests.)

Reader

A person who reads the test aloud to the test taker. Typically for an individual with learning disabilities or traumatic brain injury or a test taker who is blind or has low vision. A reader reads the test directions, questions and answer choices to the test taker. A reader does not interpret, reword or explain the test, though the reader may repeat test content at the test taker's request.

Screen magnification

Enlarging the size of everything displayed on the computer screen.

Scribe

A person who writes down or otherwise records the test-taker's responses. The scribe does not correct spelling, create answers for the test taker or help the test taker identify correct answers. The scribe simply writes the test-taker's answers down on the test or answer sheet or types them into a computer.

Selectable background and foreground colors

A feature on computer-delivered tests that permits the test taker to select the colors of the background and the text to improve contrast and minimize eyestrain.

Sign language interpreter

An individual who communicates with the test taker using sign language. Available only for applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing for spoken directions only.

Spellchecker

An ETS-approved spellchecker is a simple hand-held device that is sent prior to the test date to test takers who qualify for this accommodation. It is NOT the standard computer-based spellchecker included in programs such as Microsoft® Word.

Tactile figure supplement

A raised-line figure supplement that enables a test taker who is blind or has low vision to feel the figures. The figure supplement is labeled in braille.

Trackball

A pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers or palm of the hand to move a pointer or cursor on the screen. Used as an alternative to a mouse.